Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam

Guided Meditation (Foundation Series- Dhyanam)

This meditation is from a guided meditation series called 'Foundation' by Swamini Svatmavidyanada, based on the teachings of Sri Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Join us everyday to cultivate a steady practice!
This meditation is called Dhyanam, it is a thorough step-by-step guide based on the 6th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita to assist the beginner in meditation. This beginning session includes firming the posture, pranayama (breath work) and introduces mantra-japa (repetition of chant) as highlighting the connection between the individual (jiva) and the total (Isvara).
Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.

Sri Rudram 20

Disorder is included in the order and everything in the universe -the good and the bad is Bhagavan alone but Bhagavan is neither good or bad. The verses covered in this episode presents an exhaustive list of all kinds of difficult people and we are encouraged to see Bhagavan in them, to understand that the karma phala has to unfold in a particular manner. listen to learn more.

Sri Rudram 19

Anuvaka 3 presents an extremely sophisticated understanding of Bhagavan. It is a treatise on all the belligerent elements in the universe and it explains the machinations of the law of karma from the standpoint of Ishwara. This Anuvaka when assimilated correctly is a lesson on vairagya (freedom from attachment) and viveka (discrimination between the real and unreal) required for spiritual growth.

Sri Rudram 18

Up until now, all the benign manifestations have been discussed as nothing other than Bhagavan. As Anuvaka 2 comes to a close, the all pervasive nature of Bhagavan is reinforced. Progressing to Anuvaka 3, the sadhaka also progresses in maturity. We are introduced to the not-so benign aspects of the universe, our vision undergoes a transformation as we are shown how to see them. This third Anuvaka takes us on a journey of spiritual growth and frees us from guilt. 

Sri Rudram 17

Mantras hold the power to dissolve all hopelessness and it helps one cross the river of samsara. In these verses, Rudra is invoked as the source and recipient of all mantras. Rudra is recognized as the truth of everything, Rudra is all light and all knowledge (Sat-Chit-Ananda), hence nothing is ever hidden from him. Rudra is the Vedas itself that reveal the truth hidden from me. 

Sri Rudram 16

These verses help bring out a deep sense of surrender needed for all spiritual practitioners. In understanding Bhagavan as the charioteer of one's life, the sadhaka surrenders the reigns of his/her life to that adorable one who is limitless and indestructible. Listen to understand why the Atman is asanga (free of afflictions) and how indeed all disorders are included in the grand order. 

Stories Of Saints

Saints embody what every human yearns to be and what every sadhaka wishes to become. Listen to this inspiring talk on the lives of saints -Ghosha a female seer and philosopher who was healed of her disfigurement and went on to write two prominent hymns in the Vedas, Purandara Dasa a 16th century saint who underwent a mighty transformation and became the founding proponent of Carnatic Music and composed 475 devotional songs on Krishna, and lastly, Valmiki who mended his ways and went on to write the legendary epic -Ramayana. 

Sri Rudram 15

The oneness reiterated so gracefully throughout Sri Rudram is the essence of the vision of Vedanta. These verses bring out the vibrancy of Bhagavan's presence in everything one sees, including oneself. Rudra, the creator of this universe is beyond ignorance hence beyond the spell of his own creation. To this Rudra who wields the power to cut down samsara of all his Bhaktas (devotees), I surrender.

Sri Rudram 14

Mantra 2 forms the entire second Anuvaka.  Each mantra brings out the glory of Bhagavan and bears fruit accordingly. This mantra gives inner clarity, purpose and discipline needed for the pursuit of knowledge towards Moksha. One begins to see this entire Jagat (world) as Bhagavan, recognizing and saluting the adistana devata (presiding deity) in everything, thereby losing subjectivity and felling the tree of samsara.

Sri Rudram 13

Continuing with the interluding verse between Anuvaka 1 and 2, Rudra is invoked as the one who dissolves and resolves all duality. All false divisions including time is devoured as mithya leaving myself as the timeless 'I'.